Roses

We have been grumbling about the weather down here but these roses are thriving. Cannot be too bad, can it?

Roses in Bloom

My Oh My

I keep trying to think of something positive to add to this dear blog...it is tough. This is the worst weather we have ever had in the valley. It changes how we do everything! It is a very serious reminder of what life would be like had we stayed up north. We can get out and walk but we are usually one of the few who are out there. Standing on a street corner for a 15 minute conversation does not happen all that often when the temps are in the 50's. Wanna go to South Padre? Not really...and freeze our butts off! Gonna grill tonight? Not hardly when it is soup and chili weather. The coats and jackets cannot be put away and wearing shorts is only happening on rare days. We are not wading through 4 and 5 foot snowdrifts and that is what we all console ourselves with as we quickly head for the warmth of Allen Hall.
If this were the first year for coming south I do not see how the poor souls would be at all impressed. I hope this is not a trend for future winters!!

Northern Woes

From friend Mickey in Clive Iowa (near Des Moines):
Here's my mailbox in it's own little igloo. There's no way I can throw it that high so have to carry it to a lower spot. Only have to shovel what the plow builds up at the end of my drive. In picture 2, can you see the ice above the gutter that is acting as a dam? It will keep water from running off the house when the snow melts and allow it to creep under the shingles and into the house. Problems yet to come. Should I sell now?